hv_coatesi_account_1798_027

sent by our Committee, which particularlypointed out our business, also General Wilkinson'sletter - with which he appeared satisfied, His son Henry interpreted for us on all occasions: but he was not very ready, and we believed our businesssuffered on that account. About 12 o'clock between 30 and 40 of theirprincipal men met in council, which Cornplanter opened by a short speech expressingthe satisfaction he felt on seeing us comingriding through the bushes, and that it wasthe Good Spirit which preserved us on our long journey, for which they were glad. He then informed us of their poverty, and the poor-ness of their houses, being covered with bark, andtheir inability to build good ones. We thought thelater part of the speech was calculated to draw onour charity. He then staited that all were met whowere likely to attend - that the women could notcome, but the men would inform them what we said -,we having particularly requested the women mightattend. We now as at some other times, feltour minds humblingly impressed with theweight of the business we were engaged in;and after a short but serious pause on ourpart, we mentioned the love which their old